What is the average employment rate of paramedics and EMT's?

I'm thinking about being a paramedic. I've looked into most of the aspects but this is one question that I can't find no matter how hard Iook. So, what is the average employment rate of paramedics and EMT's?

What is the average employment rate of paramedics and EMT's?
The Department of Labor provides the following info: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm





Employment growth is expected to be faster than average with favorable employability.





Median earnings were $27,070 in 2006 -- Paramedics, of course, tend to earn more than basic and intermediate EMTs. The highest 10% earn over $45,000 - the lowest 10% unpaid are volunteers.





Understand that the basic EMT level of certification is often a volunteer position and sometimes a certification of other occupation groups (police, fire, lifeguard, etc...) as opposed to a full-time occupation itself. The EMT-P is the required certification level for EMS positions in most jurisdictions these days.





4/10 work for private services, 3/10 for government services, and 2/10 for hospitals. The other 1/10 work in industry.
Reply:Hello





I am a Paramedic in Alberta. In my Province there are approx 7,000 Paramedics (this figure includes EMRs and EMTs) This Occupations group which is expected to grow 2.1 to 3.1 per cent each year from 2006 to 2011 in Alberta. It is forecasted that 140 to 200 new positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Alberta has alot of job openings expecially in the Industrial Sector. It is like that all over Canada great job security.





In the US, The field is shifting away from volunteer services toward paid professionals and the population grows; job growth through 2012 is projected to be faster than normal. As the baby boomer generation ages, they will require more medical services, spurring more demand for EMTs and paramedics.





Paramedic is a great foundation in life, you can work anywhere! I have friends working in the US, Austrailia and now in the UK! There will always be work in this field! Also the US is starting to pay EMS workers a higher wage, mainly because many people are leaving for that fact and because the nature of the job and the skills we have. Where I am the average income for a Paramedic is $65,000 to $72,000 a year. Not to bad!





Also great oppurtunity being a Paramedic you can transfer around to other areas such as Flight Medic, Rapid Response EMS, Tactical EMS (They work with the police in high risk situations), field trainer, instructor and other specialized units.





Check out your areas EMS governing body and check out employment that will give you an idea as to the demand in your area.





Good Luck